Asset management for environmental conditions - retrofitting strategies for simple buildings
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Asset management for environmental conditions - retrofitting strategies for simple buildings (IP2/16) was written by Ed Suttie et al, and published by BRE on 6 May 2016.
Passively maintaining or controlling environmental conditions in buildings is highly effective as a low energy and low impact method of maintaining specified conditions and user comfort. This 12- page Information Paper describes how to specify and maintain energy-efficient heating and lighting systems in simple buildings, such as warehouses.
The MATIN Project (Innovative Warehouse Design for the Efficient Maturation of Scotch Whisky), monitored the environmental conditions in two whisky storage warehouses, produced a model of the variables affecting these conditions and developed a refurbishment tool. The purpose of the project was to show the connections between the management of a warehouse and the environmental conditions within it. The demands for environmental conditions in UK warehousing and retail sheds were researched and issues of user comfort and specific product categories (eg grain, spirit maturation, palletised and racking storage units, and depots) were explored.
This Information Paper provides guidance about this specific type of warehouse which will be relevant to a wider audience of construction clients, including those building other types of warehouse storage, and to the retail and distribution sectors. It will help them to decide on approaches for managing environmental conditions in these simple buildings.
It considers temperature and humidity control, types of heating systems, retrofit measures, lighting recommendations, and benefits of retrofit or replacement. The specific case of whisky maturation warehouses is used to highlight the ability to measure and model environmental conditions and the significance of their impact on process.
The contents of the Information Paper are:
- Introduction.
- Environmental control.
- Lighting.
- The MATIN Project.
- Conclusions.
- Acknowledgements.
- References.
- Further reading.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.